a challenging line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a challenging line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or demanding statement, task, or boundary in various contexts, such as writing, art, or personal challenges. Example: "The author faced a challenging line when trying to convey complex emotions in a few short sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When you're trying to provoke change, it's a challenging line to walk".

The New York Times

Sexual killers eroticise violence, power and death, so it's a challenging line to walk, and different people will have different reactions to the drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Congratulations for introducing such a challenging line of thought.

Forbes

It's a challenging line of work.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This must be a particularly challenging line to walk.

The New York Times - Arts

And a challenging business.

The New York Times

It is a challenging job.

The New York Times

"It's a challenging job.

The New York Times

It was a challenging job.

Forbes

"On the other hand," Axelrod continued, "he has to respond to the continuing pressures that people feel.... It's a very, very challenging line to walk".

Los Angeles Times

Subsequently, trainees rotated through a series of stations with individual standardized interprofessional colleagues (SIs), who were coached to deliver a non-patient-centered "challenging line" within each interaction.

Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "a challenging line" to hint at underlying tensions or conflicts, drawing the reader deeper into the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a challenging line" as a generic descriptor for any difficulty. Instead, reserve it for situations where the difficulty involves a delicate balance, a high degree of skill, or significant risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a challenging line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "challenging" modifies the noun "line". This phrase typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence, describing a situation, task, or approach that requires careful navigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a challenging line" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe situations requiring careful navigation or a delicate balance. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's validity, highlighting its occurrence across various reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, conveying the complexities of specific tasks or decisions. When using this phrase, focus on providing specific context to enhance clarity and avoid overuse in vague situations. Consider alternatives like "a difficult path" or "a demanding task" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult path

Replaces "line" with "path", suggesting a journey or course of action that is hard to follow.

a demanding task

Substitutes "challenging line" with a phrase emphasizing the effort and requirements involved.

a complex issue

Replaces "line" with "issue", focusing on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the problem.

a sensitive subject

Emphasizes the delicate and potentially controversial nature of the topic.

a tough situation

Focuses on the overall difficulty and adversity of the circumstances.

a rigorous process

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness required.

a formidable obstacle

Emphasizes the imposing and difficult-to-overcome nature of the challenge.

an arduous undertaking

Highlights the effort required is both prolonged and tiring.

a delicate balance

This emphasizes the need for precision and care to avoid negative consequences.

a hard row to hoe

An idiom indicating a difficult and protracted task.

FAQs

What does "a challenging line" mean?

The phrase "a challenging line" typically refers to a situation or task that requires careful navigation, skill, and precision to avoid negative consequences or failure. It often implies a need to balance conflicting demands or navigate complex issues.

What are some synonyms for "a challenging line"?

Alternatives to "a challenging line" include "a difficult path", "a demanding task", or "a complex issue", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "a challenging line" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician walked a challenging line between appealing to their base and attracting moderate voters" or "The author faced a challenging line trying to convey complex emotions in a few short sentences".

Is "a challenging line" formal or informal?

The phrase "a challenging line" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news, business, and professional settings. However, context determines the ultimate formality.